Moeraki Boulders Beach Walk & Millennium Walkway

The Millennium Walkway is a lovely coastal walk, well-signposted and dotted with information boards.

Where is it?

Start at Moeraki Point, between Moeraki and Hampden on the coast of Otago.

Need to know

Ensure the tide is low.

The easy option

You can visit the boulders by walking a short 150m loop from the café to view the boulders from above, which also makes it possible for people in strollers and wheelchairs to enjoy this spectacle.

NO DOGS

TIME & DISTANCE: 3hr return; extra 1.7km along Koekohe Beach to boulders

FITNESS: Average fitness required

TERRAIN: Tracks, boardwalks, some steps, stiles and beach.

Track Overview

The Moeraki Boulders are geological wonders, giant orbs of sedimentary rocks that were created 13-65 million years ago and exposed by erosion. Many people start The Millennium Walk at the Moeraki Village lookout, strolling past Puke Mataa, the ancient pā site, before setting off around towards Millers Bay.

ŌAMARU

A sea-facing township chock-a-block with Victorian architecture, Ōamaru is a handsome time warp. The Victorian Precinct is where you'll find the largest collection of 1800s buildings, notably along Harbour St, but there are plenty scattered around downtown, too. Several quirky art galleries exist behind unassuming stone doors so don’t hesitate to pull one ajar and peek inside. Kookiness is everywhere, from Steampunk HQ, dedicated to the Victorian era's very own science fiction genre, to the eccentric elements of various cafés, in Ōamaru, they know how to surprise and delight their guests.

Ōamaru's Victorian Precinct © AATP

Looking for a place to stay? Find a huge range of accommodation options, including discounts for AA Members, at travel.aa.co.nz/Hotels

Main Image: Moeraki Boulders, Otago Coast © Getty Image